England: Landlord who engaged in sex-for-rent scheme jailed

At Guildford Crown Court, Christopher Cox, 53, was imprisoned for 12 months after pleading guilty to a charge of controlling prostitution for gain and two counts of inciting prostitution for gain.

Mr Cox posted adverts online seeking young or homeless women to live with him at his home in Cranleigh, Surrey. He sought “a girl in need” and stated: “If you are a young girl 16-plus who is stuck at home and wants to get away or maybe you are homeless seeking a safe route out, I have a room available in my home for a young girl.”

He requested photos of the prospective tenants and said they should wear bikinis and also provide sexual services in exchange for a room.

The case concerned three women and offences committed between May 2018 and November 2018.

His adverts attracted the interest of ITV, who launched an undercover sting operation. Despite being confronted by the cameras, Mr Cox continued to publish the adverts. Allegations against him were passed to police in Surrey in 2019 after the broadcaster’s investigation.

One woman with whom he had sex was described by the prosecution as being “unwell and desperate”, as well as suicidal.